The Nissan Altima Coupe is a mid-size 2-door sedan and was based on a previous model, the Nissan Bluebird. The earliest model, released in 1993, was known as the "Stanza Altima," and the word "Stanza" was placed on a sticker on the trunk lid next to the Altima emblem. The Altima models in the first generation were fitted with a Nissan 4 cylinder, 150 hp engine. Buyers had the choice of either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.

The second generation of the Nissan Altima was introduced to North American buyers in 1998. Updated interiors, and a folding back seat were new features added at that point, along with depowered airbags. Buyers liked the updated design and found that it appeared roomier than first generation vehicles. On the down side, this version's styling was described as being "plain," which proved disappointing for some potential buyers.

The second generation of Altima gave way to a third version in 2002. This product was offered exclusively to buyers in North America; Japanese buyers have the option of buying the Teana, which is similar. Designers, appreciating the fact that American buyers don't like to feel boxed in while driving, increased the interior volume on this version to 118.6 cubic feet. This gave the Nissan Altima the distinction of being the mid-size Japanese sedan with the largest amount of interior space. This model's 20-gallon fuel tank was also the largest for cars in this class.

The 2003-2004 version saw the introduction of a two-tone dash color and a 245 hp engine. Models released between 2002 and 2004 with a manual gearbox were the lightest of all the V6, four-door cars on the market.

The Nissan Altima Coupe is a relative newcomer to the car-buying market; it was released in May of 2007 (2008 model). Unlike previous versions of the Altima, the Coupe is a two-door version. In addition to being lower in height and shorter in length than the Sedan, this version also has a shorter wheel base. It competes well with the Honda Accord Coupe in both looks and performance.

The 2008 version of Nissan Altima Coupe is offered in two engine sizes: a 3.5 L, 175 hp version and a 2.5 L, 175 hp version. Coupe buyers can expect to get 34 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city.